From 2004-08, Bening served as a member of The California Arts Council, a government agency run by the state that helps to expand arts education, among other things.

The council said the details of the new fundraising campaign haven't been fully worked out, but expects Bening will appear in advertisements and promotional materials.

She joins prior celebs Jack Black, Eli Broad, Macy Gray and others who have helped the council. Those three participated in the California Arts Plate campaign, which raises money for public arts funding when people purchase specially designed license plates.